asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to take in the light of the recommendation contained in the report of the committee of inquiry concerning the vessel "Festivity", and if he will make a statement.

The court's views on manning will be taken into account in the use of the powers in the Merchant Shipping Act 1970 to prescribe minimum standards of manning for merchant ships. In the meantime this aspect will be discussed with representatives of the industry with a view to preventing a recurrence of this sort of case. My Department is also pursuing the court's suggestion that the possibility of certain modifications to the steering and electrical systems be explored, and will draw attention to the recommendations for the proper reading and recording of draughts and the need for practice in hand steering on vessels equipped with automatic pilots.